ASICS America Lights Up the Night With the New Lit

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 15, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the end of Daylight Savings Time approaches, ASICS America introduces a new line of footwear, apparel and accessories for runners that refuse to let the darker fall and winter hours affect their training. The all-new Lite-Show Collection, in stores now, was made with a runner's safety in mind. The apparel collection is equipped with retro-reflective technology and flatlock stitching that provides 360 degrees reflectivity that won't fade or disappear during repeat washings, Lite-Show™ is a must-have for athletes battling the low light hours to maintain their training schedules year-round.

Headlining the Lite-Show Collection is the newly introduced special edition GEL-Nimbus® 15 Lite-Show™ and GEL-Cumulus® 15 Lite-Show™. Both styles feature all over reflective upper, and for the first time ever, the GEL-Nimbus 15 Lite-Show offers Glow-in-the-dark GEL®, providing increased visibility for those early morning or late evening runs.

The GEL-Nimbus 15 Lite-Show boasts the latest evolution in ASICS midsole technology, FluidRide™, giving runners the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability. The shoe's FluidFit™ upper technology combines multi-directional stretch mesh with stretch reinforcements that adapt to the foot, creating a truly customized glove-like fit. With its comfortable fit, plush platform, this updated style will give runners a ride so smooth it feels like they're on a cloud. The GEL-Nimbus 15 Lite-Show is now available in stores at the retail price of $155.

Fans of the GEL-Cumulus® series will love the technical updates in the GEL-Cumulus 15 Lite-Show, which improve both upper fit and its exceptionally cushioned ride. The Guidance Trusstic System® integrates Guidance Line® construction for enhanced gait efficiency while providing midfoot structural integrity. The GEL-Cumulus 15 Lite-Show is now available in stores for a suggested retail price of $125.

To ensure that no one gets left in the dark, the Lite-Show accessories and apparel come in a variety of vibrant colors that will stand out and reflect lights at any time of day or night. Functional and stylish cold weather must-haves, such as the Lite-Show™ Beanie and Lite-Show™ Glove, will keep runners warm as the chill of the winter months creep in. The Lite-Show Beanie is a staple for early morning runs, made with ASICS' exclusive Thermopolis® LT fabric which provides warmth and comfort with the stealthy visibility Lite-Show flatlock stitch for added reflectivity. The Light-Show Glove is touch screen friendly for uninterrupted use of running gadgets, and features the signature Lite-Show flatlock stitch technology. These accessories are perfectly paired with the Lite-Show Favorite™ Half-Zip Running Top or Lite-Show Favorite™ Long Sleeve, both which features the collection's reflective threads, 50+UPF and anti-odor inherent fabric.

Available for fall 2013 and updated in spring 2014, highlights from the Lite-Show Collection include:

• Lite-Show™ Favorite™ Short Sleeve for men and women with reflective flatlock threading, 50+UPF, anti-odor inherent fabric and 360 degree reflectivity ($46 men, $44 women)
• Lite-Show™ Tight is tailored to stay-put, complete with light-reflective detailing, elastic grip tape, secret stash pocket and features Stretch-Tech fabric with wind and water resistance ($55 men, $65 women)
• Lite-Show™ Jacket features Stretch-Tech fabric with wind and water resistance, 360 degrees of flatlock details, taking performance runs to a whole new level of safety and comfort ($100 men and women)
• GEL-Kayano® 20 Lite-Show™ is a special edition of the GEL-Kayano® 20, highlighted with all-over Reflectivity and Glow-in-the-Dark Rearfoot and forefoot GEL® Cushioning Systems ($170 men and women – available in spring 2014
• GT-2000™ 2 Lite-Show™ all over Reflectivity for increased visibility during low-light conditions. The new FluidRide™ midsole and full-length SpEVA® 55 lasting take its stable ride to the next level ($130 men and women – available in spring 2014)
• Lite-Show™ accessories include:
  - Lite-Show™ Thermopolis® LT fabric beanie with LT fabric providing warmth and comfort ($22)
  - PR Shelter™ gloves with visibility Lite-Show™ stich ($35)
  - Lite-Show™ Buff is an all-purpose, visible and versatile buff that can be worn as a neck gaiter, headband, wristband or beanie ($25)
  - Lite-Show™ Nimbus® Low socks ($10)
  - Lite-Tech™ Vest with reflective LED piping, perfect for shorter days or all-night relay races ($30)

"The well-being of our runners is a top priority for ASICS and the new Lite-Show Collection further displays our commitment to helping athletes of all levels train safely and effectively so they can continue to better their best," said Shannon Scott, director of marketing, ASICS America. "For some runners, the early morning or after work hours is their only chance to fit in a workout. We were inspired to keep them safe by creating the new retro-reflective technology to enhance visibility and enable them to push their workout to the limit at any time of the day or night."

For more information on the Lite-Show Collection please visit: http://www.asicsamerica.com/Lite-Show-Reflect.../lite-show And for other ASICS collections and programs, please visit ASICSAmerica.com.

About ASICS

Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com .

Photos accompanying this release are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=21566

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=21567

Melinda Hutcheon 949-727-7158